Death too is a lonely affair for HIV+ in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The discovery of the body of 45-year-old Vasco resident, Ajay, at the bus stop near Goa Medical College and Hospital on August 21, 2008 has emphasized the discrimination HIV positive persons face in Goa.
Agassaim police, who shifted the body to the GMC morgue said that Ajay, who had made the bus stop his home since the second week of August, was probably abandoned by his relatives.
Ajay’s is not an isolated case. “Once family members know of a relative’s HIV status they abandon them. Very often relatives don’t even claim the body after death,” said GMC dean Dr V N Jindal.
“We continue to live with stigma and face discrimination from an indifferent society and unsympathetic relatives. Many of us live without dignity and die stigmatised,” says Jafar Inamdar, president of Positive Lives Foundation.
If life after infection isn’t easy, death is also a lonely affair. Take the case of Abdul from Panaji, who was admitted to GMC on July 27 and expired on August 3, 2008. Till date no one has come forward to claim the body.
“Often relatives furnish fake details while admitting a HIV positive patient at GMC. Once the patient dies, the police have difficulty in obtaining a no objection certificate to dispose off the body,” said forensic department head, Dr Silvano Sapeco.
Despite awareness campaigns and programmes to dispel myths about HIV/AIDS, the stigma attached to the disease continues to haunt patients. Dr Jindal added that people still fear that “HIV/AIDS can spread through touch.”
Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) project director Dr Pradeep Padwal agrees that despite efforts to dispel the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, people are still scared. “Its not easy to change the mindset. People are aware about HIV, but find it difficult to accept if a family member is infected with HIV,” said Padwal.
August 26, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Showing posts with label HIV AIDS Goa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HIV AIDS Goa. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Positively , he’s genius at 7.
Positively , he’s genius at 7.
By Preetu Nair,
Panjim:Seven years old Shambu’s life appears to be no different from the children his age. He is an obedient child , who goes to a Government aided school in the village, eager to learn and understand things. But the similarities end here.Beyond the eight-years child’s lively analytical mind lies a bitter truth.
Shambu was born HIV positive (HIV +ve) . A standard II student , he always stands first in his class and works hard to maintain his rank. But he works even harder to maintain his health . He wakes up early in the morning does yoga for an hour, goes for regular check-ups and has a balanced diet.
“Everyday I have to eat a balanced, nutritious diet to keep my CD4 count in check. Otherwise, I may fall ill and miss school. I want to become a doctor and treat people.” explained Shambu, who was abandoned by his parents. He is now a resident of a home run by an NGO in the state.
There are over 80 children in Goa, who like Shambu, are living with HIV/AIDS in the state. These Children of a greater God are working hard to change their uncertain future. And they are being helped not just by the NGO’s working with HIV positive children but also by community.
Unlike in other states, where HIV positive children were ostracized by parents and their wards in schools, Goa has set a new trend of sorts. “All 10 children in our home go to regular school. Their HIV status is not hidden from the school authorities or parents of other children. But they have never been criticized or stigmatized for being HIV positive. In fact they are being appreciated for their hard work and commitment to study.” Explained Sister Vinita Joseph, in charge of Asro, a home that looks after people living with HIV/AIDS.
Sandeep, a few months older than Shambu is years ahead in maturity and an understanding that leaves kids twice his age bewildered. His memories are few and rare but his experiences bitter.”In the past I used to be scared of injections and hospitalization but not anymore. Now I am used to it and if I miss my class , my friends and teachers help me with the lessons stated Sandeep.
Finally the efforts of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) , an agency funded by NACO , which has been working towards spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst the community to reduce stigma and prevent new infections , is yielding results.
Dr Dilraj Kaur, Director, GSACS admitted, “Goa has a high literacy rate. Besides the governments commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and the community’s effort has helped reduce the stigma related to HIC/AIDS in the state.”
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 5, 2008)
By Preetu Nair,
Panjim:Seven years old Shambu’s life appears to be no different from the children his age. He is an obedient child , who goes to a Government aided school in the village, eager to learn and understand things. But the similarities end here.Beyond the eight-years child’s lively analytical mind lies a bitter truth.
Shambu was born HIV positive (HIV +ve) . A standard II student , he always stands first in his class and works hard to maintain his rank. But he works even harder to maintain his health . He wakes up early in the morning does yoga for an hour, goes for regular check-ups and has a balanced diet.
“Everyday I have to eat a balanced, nutritious diet to keep my CD4 count in check. Otherwise, I may fall ill and miss school. I want to become a doctor and treat people.” explained Shambu, who was abandoned by his parents. He is now a resident of a home run by an NGO in the state.
There are over 80 children in Goa, who like Shambu, are living with HIV/AIDS in the state. These Children of a greater God are working hard to change their uncertain future. And they are being helped not just by the NGO’s working with HIV positive children but also by community.
Unlike in other states, where HIV positive children were ostracized by parents and their wards in schools, Goa has set a new trend of sorts. “All 10 children in our home go to regular school. Their HIV status is not hidden from the school authorities or parents of other children. But they have never been criticized or stigmatized for being HIV positive. In fact they are being appreciated for their hard work and commitment to study.” Explained Sister Vinita Joseph, in charge of Asro, a home that looks after people living with HIV/AIDS.
Sandeep, a few months older than Shambu is years ahead in maturity and an understanding that leaves kids twice his age bewildered. His memories are few and rare but his experiences bitter.”In the past I used to be scared of injections and hospitalization but not anymore. Now I am used to it and if I miss my class , my friends and teachers help me with the lessons stated Sandeep.
Finally the efforts of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) , an agency funded by NACO , which has been working towards spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst the community to reduce stigma and prevent new infections , is yielding results.
Dr Dilraj Kaur, Director, GSACS admitted, “Goa has a high literacy rate. Besides the governments commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and the community’s effort has helped reduce the stigma related to HIC/AIDS in the state.”
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 5, 2008)
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